Read Matthew 9.
Jesus continued to publicly display His power and authority as God in the flesh. What began in Matthew 7:28 with His teaching authority over the Scriptures has now been plain for all to see in every area, including the natural elements, physical maladies, satanic powers, and the forgiveness of sin. As He confirmed His identity, Jesus had compassion on the people "because they were harassed and helpless" (v.36).
The questions asked were all good ones. But not everyone liked the obvious answers.
1. Question #1. (vv.1-8)
In verse 3, the accusation was blasphemy. The question, unasked in Matthew's account, was "Who can forgive sins but God?" The answer from Jesus was "that you may know that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins" he healed the paralytic man.
2. Question #2. (vv.9-13)
The next question was, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered that He did not come "to call the righteous, but sinners." The self-righteous critics felt no guilt for their sin and no need of a Savior. But those that did sense and admit their need found an eternal friend in Jesus.
3. Question #3. (vv.14-17)
John's disciples asked, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" The answer compared being with Jesus as a time for celebration. No one fasts on joyful occasions. But in anticipation of the cross and His ascension back to heaven, Jesus indicated that an appropriate time for fasting will come when He is gone.
4. Question #4. (vv. 27-31)
This question was asked by Jesus of the two blind men. "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They replied, "Yes, Lord." Then, Jesus healed them both.
The paralytic could not help himself. His four friends had to carry him to Jesus.
The ruler of the Synagogue could not help his daughter. She died of unstated causes. But he cast his hope on Jesus, even confessing that he believed Jesus could raise her from the dead.
The bleeding woman could not find anyone to help her after twelve years of trying. She put her faith in Jesus and he healed her in an instant.
The two blind men lived without a cure, but they came to Jesus for help.
The man in verses 32-34 was oppressed by demons and mute. Someone brought him to Jesus. Not only did the demons flee but the man began to speak.
Each of these illustrates that God helps those who CANNOT help themselves. It is only when a person comes to the end of themselves and realizes only by casting one's dependence on Him that true deliverance is possible. Help is available for those who come to Jesus in faith and total dependence on Him.
Jesus continued to publicly display His power and authority as God in the flesh. What began in Matthew 7:28 with His teaching authority over the Scriptures has now been plain for all to see in every area, including the natural elements, physical maladies, satanic powers, and the forgiveness of sin. As He confirmed His identity, Jesus had compassion on the people "because they were harassed and helpless" (v.36).
The questions asked were all good ones. But not everyone liked the obvious answers.
1. Question #1. (vv.1-8)
In verse 3, the accusation was blasphemy. The question, unasked in Matthew's account, was "Who can forgive sins but God?" The answer from Jesus was "that you may know that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins" he healed the paralytic man.
2. Question #2. (vv.9-13)
The next question was, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered that He did not come "to call the righteous, but sinners." The self-righteous critics felt no guilt for their sin and no need of a Savior. But those that did sense and admit their need found an eternal friend in Jesus.
3. Question #3. (vv.14-17)
John's disciples asked, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" The answer compared being with Jesus as a time for celebration. No one fasts on joyful occasions. But in anticipation of the cross and His ascension back to heaven, Jesus indicated that an appropriate time for fasting will come when He is gone.
4. Question #4. (vv. 27-31)
This question was asked by Jesus of the two blind men. "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They replied, "Yes, Lord." Then, Jesus healed them both.
The paralytic could not help himself. His four friends had to carry him to Jesus.
The ruler of the Synagogue could not help his daughter. She died of unstated causes. But he cast his hope on Jesus, even confessing that he believed Jesus could raise her from the dead.
The bleeding woman could not find anyone to help her after twelve years of trying. She put her faith in Jesus and he healed her in an instant.
The two blind men lived without a cure, but they came to Jesus for help.
The man in verses 32-34 was oppressed by demons and mute. Someone brought him to Jesus. Not only did the demons flee but the man began to speak.
Each of these illustrates that God helps those who CANNOT help themselves. It is only when a person comes to the end of themselves and realizes only by casting one's dependence on Him that true deliverance is possible. Help is available for those who come to Jesus in faith and total dependence on Him.
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